iPod 4th Generation or Photo Front Panel Replacement
Step 2
Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't get discouraged if it takes you a few tries before the iPod is opened.
Insert a large iPod opening tool into the seam between the plastic front and metal rear panel of the iPod, near the headphone jack. The tool's edge should point towards the metal rear panel to prevent any accidental scratching of the plastic front.
Run the tool along the top seam toward the upper left corner of the iPod. Press the tool into the corner, creating a small gap on the side of the case.
Run the iPod opening tool around the lower left corner of the iPod and along the bottom seam to free the two retaining clips near the dock connector.
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iPod 4th Generation or Photo Front Panel Replacement
Step 6
Run the iPod opening tool around the lower right corner and slide it down the right side seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod.
Step 7
The iPod case is now open, but don't separate the two halves just yet. There is still an orange ribbon cable connecting the headphone jack to the logic board.
Open the case like a book with the dock connector edge at the top, and lay the rear panel next to the front half of the iPod.
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iPod 4th Generation or Photo Front Panel Replacement
Step 8
Use a plastic tool or your fingernails to carefully disconnect the orange headphone jack cable. Be sure to pull straight up on the connector, not the cable itself.
Grasp the hard drive with one hand and carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive using your other hand.
Step 9 — Hard Drive
If the cable doesn't come free easily, it may be helpful to gently wiggle the cable from side to side.
Peel up the black adhesive strip covering the hard drive ribbon cable.
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iPod 4th Generation or Photo Front Panel Replacement
Step 11
Use the tip of your finger or a spudger to carefully flip up the black connector securing the hard drive cable to the logic board. Note that the black retaining clip flips 90 degrees toward vertical, in the direction of the cable.
Pull the orange hard drive cable directly out of its connector.
Slide the orange click wheel ribbon cable out of its connector. You must unlock this connector before sliding the ribbon cable out. The locking mechanism is on the opposite side of where the cable is inserted - it swivels upwards 90 degrees. Use a plastic spudger to lift the locking mechanism.
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iPod 4th Generation or Photo Front Panel Replacement
Step 17
Carefully lift up the large end of the logic board and disconnect the display connector.
Lift the logic board out of the iPod.
Lift the display panel out of the iPod. There may be some mild adhesive connecting the display to the front panel.